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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 



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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



A BRIEF RECORD 



PHYSICIANS OF QUINCY 

MASSACHUSETTS 



FROM THE 



EARLIEST TIMES 



JUHE 17, 1890 



A BRIEF RECORD 



PHYSICIANS OF QUINCY 



MASSACHUSETTS 



FROM THE 



EARLIEST TIMES 



COMPILED AND VVffLlSIIED BY 

ANNIE E. FAXON 



vRY OF 






For the Benefit of the Hospital Fund ^OPYR/g/^aTS 



JUNE 17, 1890 



Copyright, 1890, by ANNIE E. FAXON 



'THE HEALING OF HIS SEAMLESS DRESS 
IS BY OUR BEDS OF PAIN; 
WE TOUCH HIM IN LIFE'S THRONG AND PRESS, 
AND WE ARE WHOLE AGAIN." 



FKESS OF 

UOCKWELL AND CHUKCHILL 

BOSTON, MASS. 



Our motto is taken from a statue in the Latin 
Quarter, representing a printer, Ulrich Gering, 
who, with his two partners, introduced printing in 
Paris in 1470. He holds a book in his hand with 
the following pithy inscription : — 

Ne fugite ob pretium 
Dives paupe que venite ! 
Hoc opus magniloquens, 
Venditur auro brevi, 

which is, 

Do not flee on account of the price, 
The rich and the poor come here. 
This magnificent work 
Can be purchased with a little gold. 



IN this lovely June of 1890, when so many are 
interested in the opening of our beautiful new- 
hospital, — the gift of our generous townsman, 
William B. Rice, — one who owes a debt of grati- 
tude to many faithful physicians has compiled 
these few remembrances of past and present med- 
ical men, and published them for the benefit of the 
hospital fund. Thanks are due to the many friends 
who helped in this labor of love. 

The first figure who comes up is 

Dr. Benjamin Thompson, school teacher, and 
poet also, for thirty years. A stone records that 
he died weary of life, leaving eight children and 
thirty-eight grandchildren. Another record adds 
quaintly, "Whereas, there has been an old reckon- 
ing upon ye account of my service for many years, 
which I have served them in all that may issue in 
love, etc., I do forever acquitt and discharge the 
town of Braintry from all dues and demands, this 
being a mutual and everlasting discharge. June, 
1700." 

From a venerable volume compiled by Henry 
Whitney, we read that next — 

Dr. John Wilson, born in England, graduated 
in medicine in 1705, and settled here. 



Dr. Edward Steadman was formerly a physi- 
cian in this place. 

Dr. Elisha Savil, from Harvard in 1743, 
practised here, and died in 1768. He lived in the 
Mears House, now Dr. French's. Two Doctors 
Savil have lived since Elisha Savil, and a third 
descendant of his, James Shannon, graduated in 
medicine. 

Dr. Ebenezer Brackett, son of James B., 
born in 1743. From Dartmouth in 179 1, entered 
upon practice in this town, but died a few months 
after. He was a young man of great promise. 
Miss Brackett is a descendant of his. 

Dr. Benjamin Vinton, of Harvard, 1796, was, 
we read, a respected medical man. He lived in 
the Elisha Marsh house on Granite street. 

Dr. Henry Turner, for many years a respect- 
able physician, died January, 1773. He united 
the profession of tavern-keeper with the dispensing 
of physic, and lived in the house of Benjamin 
Gray. Tradition speaks of a German woman, Mrs. 
Hartwig, probably a great-great-grandmother of 
the present Hardwicks, who practised medicine 
then. 

Dr. Phipps came then, and he is the first of the 
physicians about whom much is known. He 
graduated from Harvard in 1757, settling here in 
1768, continuing an eminent practitioner until his 
death, Nov. 4, 1817, aged 85. He lived in 



the Wild house, on FrankHn street. He was hard 
of hearing, and his wife used to go around with 
him, carrying a slate to take notes of what was 
needed. The late James Baxter was a grandson 
of Dr. Phipps. 

Coming now into this century, a long list of 
those who came and went, embraces but few who 
were fixtures, — doctors of medicine seeming birds 
of passage. It is of those who were identified 
most closely with us that details are of interest. 

Dr. Phipps' son, Thomas, succeeded him in 
medical work, and judging from a letter written by 
one of his granddaughters, we feel sure that the 
pretty romance that has always clung to his name 
is true. The Williams House was a hotel once, 
•and this young doctor stopped there the night a 
baby girl was born, and he said he would wait for 
that baby to be his wife. When she was eighteen, 
and he was forty, they were married. Judging 
from the charming letters sent to us, which were 
written to his wife, when in mid-winter he under- 
took the severe sea-voyage to the South for his 
health, this marriage was an ideal one, and we 
quote from the quaint writing in the folded letters, 
minus envelopes, secured by a wafer. The post- 
age on these is marked in red, 25 cents each. 

" As this letter will probably be the Last you 
will receive from me for a long time, I feel as 
though I ought make known to you my mind 



upon a Subject that has Occasioned me more un- 
easiness than all others. Life, we know is uncer- 
tain, but it is natural for me to wish to prolong it, 
and that, by the use of those means which appear 
to us most likely to effect the end. As I leave 
behind me a Large Family, it is to be expected that 
some sickness may occur ere my return. If such 
should happen, and you should not feel perfectly 
safe under the care of Dr. Woodward I would 
recommend you sending for Doct. Fifield, etc. If 
anything serious should happen, I want you should 
let Thomas send out Doct. Randall, as I should 
place the utmost confidence in his judgment. As 
for Doct. Wales, I should have nothing to do with 
him. Tell Lawrence to obey his mother in all 
things, as I charged him ere I left home," etc. 

The long pages of Dr. Phipps, written so ten- 
derly to his wife, breathe minute care and appre- 
hension for those he left behind when he had such 
rough passages. The anxiety he felt for all, the 
especial injunctions for one Lawrence to obey his 
mother, breathe lovable qualities. 

He wants Dr. Duggan to be ** informed if he 
took the horse, that he must not give him smoky 
hay." He wrote about his plan of coming North 
in the spring, on horseback, riding alone for long 
weeks through the wilderness. One letter said a 
brother practitioner occupied a berth above him, 
so they could prescribe for each other; " but," he 



8 



added, '' every time their heads were raised they fell 
a-Puking." These most interesting letters cannot 
be transcribed ; but we regret that this Dr. Phipps 
also was very deaf. He never heard the voices of 
those children about whom he was so solicitous. 
The family wrote rapidly, from constant practice, 
upon the wood-work over the kitchen mantel. 
These yellow letters have a peculiar charm. The 
doctor did return, and although his sudden death 
from heart disease, the knowledge of which was 
kept from his wife, gave great sorrow, to us it 
seemed merciful, as sparing long and continued 
suffering. He went to Cambridge on Commence- 
ment Day, and returned to fall dead instantly. 

In those days some of our most prominent 
families sought the services of Dr. Holbrook, of 
Milton. 

Two notable figures in medical history follow, 
the first t)f these being 

Dr. Ebenezer Woodward. He was one of 
the landmarks in medicine here. A New Hamp- 
shire boy from Darmouth, we are told, he came to 
Ouincy, April i, 1823. He took an office in the 
Gillett House, which has since sheltered so many 
physicians ; the square around the old town-pump 
being a famous thoroughfare, and one that has 
seen many medical stars rise and set. He soon 
sold his practice to Dr. Duggan, but repurchased 
it, and lived his life out among us. He purchased 



9 



the site upon which our pubHc library stands, and 
many remember the large plain house he lived in. 
The interior left a feeling of awe in spite of the 
kindness of the good man and his wife, who was 
Miss Appleton, of a fine family. She also di- 
vined one's weak spot, and one felt better upon 
seeing her. They had no children. The doctor's 
horse and a big dog, whose shadow crosses these 
pages, shared his affections. Within the sitting- 
room the portraits were awfully real, seen by the 
light only of an oil lamp, in whose wick a pin stuck, 
to kindle more flame if desired. A bed of ashes 
rested upon the open coal fire in the grate. 
Strangely, thq coming of this good man to our 
house, where before the days of furnace-heated 
houses he was often called to a large brood of 
children, excited mirth rather than apprehension. 
A general titter arose as our mother's '' hush ! " 
came, when his step was heard. His preparations 
for removing the numerous envelopes that pro- 
tected his slender body are remembered. First a 
hat that did not shine was placed on a chair. 
Next followed gloves and often wristers. A 
large red handkerchief in multitudinous folds was 
methodically unwound from his slender neck and 
carefully put with the gloves. Then overcoat 
number one came off; then coat number two, and 
childish eyes opened wider to see if a third were 
coming. Gently rubbing his delicate hands, '* Ah, 



10 



a little of my nice spiced cordial " might have 
been prescribed. All trivialities fade in the mem- 
ory of the respect and confidence he won. He 
left at his death a large sum to found a school 
for girls born in Ouincy. At the last report, the 
fund amounted to $2 14,987. There is still consid- 
erable land to be sold for the benefit of this fund. 

About these years a quartette of young medical 
aspirants came and soon left. One was 

Dr. Charles Gordon, who boarded with Mrs. 
George Hardwick, in the house now occupied by 
Dr. French, on Hancock street. 

Dr. Gushee, with Mrs. George Nightingale, in 
1845, and then went to East Weymouth. 

Dr. Dorr came also, but nothing definite of 
him can be found. 

Dr. William Brazer Duggan was born in 
the ''Old Hancock House," Boston, Feb. 18, 
1802. He graduated from Harvard Medical Col- 
lege in 1824. He died March 12, 1880. He did 
not practise medicine long, but many remem- 
ber him as especially interested in very much 
that pertained to general subjects, and to our 
schools. One of our earliest recollections of the 
school committee man is of Dr. Duggan. His 
picturesque old homestead still commands one of 
the most varied and beautiful views. 

Dr. James A. Stetson, who was a representa- 



11 



tive physician here for nearly half a century, was 
born in Braintree, December, 1806; graduated at 
Columbia College, and studied medicine at Har- 
vard. He came to Ouincy in 1830, and married 
Abagail F. Brigham, in 1842. His first ofiice was 
on that favorite corner in Mrs. Briesler's house. 
We read from the '' History of Norfolk County " 
" that at the time of his death, in 1880, he was the 
oldest practitioner in Norfolk county. He was 
skilful and successful, possessing great judgment 
and decision, and he always inspired confidence. 
He was kind, charitable, and faithful. His relig- 
ious belief was that of the Unitarians. He was 
deeply interested in the progress of art and dis- 
coveries of science. His opinions were tena- 
ciously held and fearlessly expressed. If his 
prejudices were strong, they were not invincible. 
His dislike of ostentation led him to veil beneath 
a somewhat cold exterior, generosity of character 
and tenderness of feeling. He was a sincere 
Christian, a firm friend, and thoroughly upright." 
This is a noble record. He left two sons, James 
H., a tradesman, and Joslah B., the talented 
organist in the Stone Church for so many years. 

Dr. George Newcomb, son of Deacon John 
Newcomb, was born at Braintree Neck In 18 10. 
He first went to school in Framingham, after- 
wards graduating from Amherst College, studying 
with Dr. Lewis, of Boston. He took his medical 



12 



degree in 1836, married Miss Packard, daughter 
of William Packard, and after short practice in 
Braintree, came to Quincy and opened a drug 
store in the New Town House. His widow, who 
was his senior, still lives, and we found her work- 
ing in her garden. She told us many pleasant 
incidents of his early aptitude in study, and of his 
more early life in hospitals in Boston. 

Dr. William G. Pattee was born in Bath, 
Maine, 1824. He received his medical degree 
from Harvard College, and began active practice 
in Quincy in 1850, relinquishing it on failing 
health in i860. He then opened a drug store, 
and one brother practitioner writes us that his 
preparation for relief in cholera was a valuable, 
if not the most valuable, one. He was deeply in- 
terested in historical matters, and wrote the " His- 
tory of Old Braintry." He took a peculiar interest 
in the public schools. He delivered the address 
at the opening of the Mount WoUaston Cemetery, 
and lies buried in the lot upon which he then 
stood. He was married, October, 1853, to Mary 
E. Appleton, niece of Dr. Woodward's wife ; and 
two children, W. G. A. Pattee, now a lawyer in 
Quincy, and Mrs. Elizabeth G. Peterson, survive 
him. 

During these years Dr. William Bugbee, who 
married a daughter of Lloyd G. Horton, came to 
Quincy, serving as postmaster for a term of 
years. 



13 



Dr. Goodnow came to Quincy in 1850, living 
with his family, consisting only of a wife who was 
a confirmed invalid, in the famous square for phy- 
sicians, by the town pump. The house stood on 
the site of the present Robertson House. He was 
what was known as an old Thomsonian doctor. 
He kept a drug store in connection with his 
work. 

Dr. Harden also lived in the same square at 
the same time. With regret, his record is incom- 
plete now, but our schoolmates remember him 
and his family pleasantly. 

Many remember the old drug store kept by 
Mrs. Hayden and Miss Myra Marsh for so 
many years. Their intelligence and skill in learn- 
ing the virtues of the drugs they dispensed en- 
sured them frequent audiences of the physicians. 
From ceiling to floor, in seemingly inaccessible 
places, they drew forth everything in their line 
that could be thought of, educing some sem- 
blance of order from that conglomerate mass of 
articles. 

Dr. Henry Martyn Saville came from East 
Boston, his birthplace, to our town, in 1858. He 
was a graduate from Dartmouth, and took his 
degree of medicine from the University of Penn- 
sylvania in March, 1857. At the breaking out of 
the Rebellion he was appointed surgeon of the 
old Fourth Massachusetts Regiment, and went to 



14 



Fortress Monroe. He resumed professional work 
later here, but after his marriage with Miss Car- 
ruth, of Boston, he located in Chester park. His 
energy and ambition at length forced him to give 
up activities, on account of failing health, and to 
seek strength, which, alas, did not come. Return- 
ing from a winter in Egypt, he brought back all of 
his old-time lustre ; but it faded here, and he died 
in 1879, in New York. Dr. Woodward said his 
charm of manner alone would win success in 
practice. He loved his chosen profession, and 
he had a facility of winning friends such as few 
possessed. He cannot be forgotten by those who 
were privileged to know him. It seems almost 
strange that medical men should fail to apply the 
precepts they seek to teach, to themselves. '' Phy- 
sician, heal thyself," is not often a realization. 

William Lyman Faxon was born in Ouincy. 
He studied medicine with Dr. Henry M. Saville, 
and was appointed Assistant Surgeon to the 
Fourth Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteers, in 
1 86 1. He graduated from the Harvard Medical 
School in March, 1862, and was appointed Assist- 
ant Surgeon of the Thirty-second Regiment, Mas- 
sachusetts Volunteers, in June, 1862. He was 
promoted Surgeon in June of the following year, 
and served with distinction until the close of the 
war. He established, and was chief officer of, 
the Fifth Corps Hospital at City Point, Va., dur- 



15 



ing the last part of his service. He resided in 
Chicago five years, and returned to accept the 
position of Superintendent of the National Sailors' 
Home (one of Boston's private charities, situated 
in Ouincy, on the old Fenno farm), in the spring 
of 1 87 1, where he still resides. He was active in 
establishing the Board of Health and the Quincy 
Water Works. 

Dr. James G. Shannon's name brings pleasant 
recollections. He is in the line of the Saville 
family, which furnished one of the earliest physi- 
cians. He was born in Quincy, June 17, 1843, 
and graduated from the Harvard Medical School 
just before the war. During those sad years he 
served well in hospitals in Philadelphia, although 
he was so very young. He had an office a short 
time in what we remember as the Holden House, 
in Temple street, but soon left and went to Oak- 
ham, Mass. Subsequently he went to Rutland, 
near by, maintaining for many years an extensive 
country practice, which ultimately impaired his 
health. After brave resistance he died in an asy- 
lum in Worcester, Dec. 29, 1889. He was mar- 
ried, and his widow, but no children, survives him. 

Another Quincy boy. Dr. FRANK Saville, 
took the degree of medicine from Harvard, but 
we have been unable to trace his steps. He set- 
tled somewhere in New York, and has not been 
identified with Quincy. 



16 



Dr. John H. Gilbert was born in Atkinson, 
N.H. He pursued his early studies in Hanover, 
N.H., at Dartmouth College, graduating also 
from the Tremont Medical College (now Harvard) 
in 1853. He settled in Weymouth, and practised 
there three years ; then removing to Huntington, 
Mass., remaining there a year and a half, but 
going back to Weymouth at the request of the 
most prominent families there. At the time of 
Dr. Woodward's declining health, he came to 
Quincy, — in 1862. He first lived in the old 
favorite locality of physicians, — the space oppo- 
site the town pump, or the old Marsh House, — but 
later removed to the *' square," where he has since 
lived, occupying with his family now the house 
that was so long the location of the Quincy Stone 
and National Granite banks. Mr. Rice knighted 
him with the title of Veteran Physician, which he 
has justly won, as he is the oldest practitioner in 
the city. He has been active in the work of the 
Board of Health, and in organizing our hospital. 
He is still a close student, and devoted to the love 
of his chosen profession. He is President of the 
Norfolk South District Medical Society, and has 
been Medical Examiner for Norfolk County eight 
years. 

Dr. Edward Russell graduated from the 
Harvard Medical School in July, 1862. He was 
commissioned Assistant Surgeon Twenty-sixth 



17 



Massachusetts Volunteers the same year, serving 
later in the Fourth Louisiana Regiment, and later 
in the Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry Volunteers. 
He was mustered out with the regiment in Rich- 
mond, Va., 1865. He kept a drug store for many 
years in Newton, but since relinquished practice, 
having failing health for a term. At present he is 
a resident of Quincy, his old home. 

*' Dr. Joseph Underwood died at his home in 
Quincy, April i, 1881. He was born in Charles- 
town in 1820. He taught school in Framingham, 
North Easton, and Dedham, and then in his twen- 
ty-fourth year entered the Harvard Medical School, 
graduating in 1847. Directly after finishing his 
course he located in West Cambridge, and began 
there what proved to be a very successful career. 

" For twelve years he lived in West Cambridge, 
now Arlington, happy, prosperous, and universally 
esteemed. 

" During the civil war he volunteered his ser- 
vices, and was at once sent to the Army of the 
Potomac. 

'' It was under a high sense of duty that he per- 
formed this act, and nobly he fulfilled all the 
responsibility involved. 

*' When taken prisoner in the Seven days' battle, 
it was given him to choose freedom or to go on to 
Richmond with the wounded boys. He chose the 
latter, on condition that he should not be confined. 



18 



The condition was soon disregarded, and he was 
thrown Into LIbby Prison, where he contracted a 
violent disease. 

" His death seemed Imminent, and he was re- 
leased, reaching his home In a very debilitated 
condition. Under the careful treatment of his 
wife he gradually recovered, and at the end of 
three months, reporting for duty, he was assigned 
for hospital service. 

''At Fort Delaware the duties were so exacting, 
and the surroundings so painful, that he again 
broke down in health, and was obliged to abandon 
military life. Then In 1865 he removed to Quincy, 
where he soon established a lucrative homoeopathic 
practice, and won wide respect for his sympathy, 
his manly sincerity, and his public spirit. 

" A large circle laments the death of the beloved 
physician. His widow and two children survive 
him." — Harvaj'd Register, by D. M. Wilson. 

Dr. H. Salls writes from Danville Junction, 
Maine, that he was born in New York State, and 
educated at Ann Arbor and Cleveland, Ohio, 
taking his medical degree in homoeopathy there In 
1879. He came to Quincy In April, 1882, and 
remained three years. Failing health compelled 
him to pass his winters In California since. He 
has retired from active practice. 

Dr. James Morrison, who came to Quincy In 
lune, 1869, was born In Peterborough, N.H., 



19 



June 20, 1818. His earliest years were those 
of comparative hardship. He entered Exeter 
Academy in 1836, but was compelled by illness to 
leave off study. He resumed it later, and gradu- 
ated from Harvard in 1844, to go to Baltimore, 
receiving his medical diploma in 1846, being 
appointed resident physician in an infirmary there. 
His first practice was in California, where he re- 
mained a few years ; then going to Europe, passing 
his time in medical studies in Paris. 

In 1858 he helped to organize the first medical 
school on the Pacific coast, and was Professor there 
five years. He was member of very many so- 
cieties. He won strong adherents in our commu- 
nity, and no physician was ever more beloved by 
patients or by friends. A full and interesting ac- 
count of his life and work can be found i-i the 
history of the Morrison family, in our public 
library. 

He died at his home on Hancock street, May 
27, 1882. His wife and two children survive 
him. 

Dr. James Frederic Harlow was born in 
Boston. In childhood he attended the Mayhcw 
School, Dam and Hardy's Academy, Mr. Whit- 
ney's private school, and the Salem-street School. 
Later he went to Hampton, N.H., Academy. 
He matriculated at Harvard in the class of 1847, 
and began his medical life in Boston, where he 



20 



worked assiduously until failing health forced 
him to seek a more secluded home, which he 
found in a beautiful spot in Quincy, among the 
hills, sheltered from harsh winds. His practice in 
Quincy continued until his death, in 1889. He 
was one who never ceased to learn, and he will 
not soon be forgotten. He has one son in the 
West, and his remaining three children, with their 
mother, and his brothers, the Rev. Mr. Harlow 
and Edwin Harlow, M.D., still live in the home- 
stead. Dr. Edwin Harlow goes to the city only 
to see special patients. 

Dr. John Alexander Gordon was born in 
Prince Edward Island. His early education was 
secured in the public and private schools there, 
and in the Prince of Wales College. He studied 
medicine in the Harvard Medical School from 
1866 to 1869, was medical interne in the City 
Hospital, Boston, in 1870, receiving his degree in 
March, 1871. He settled in Quincy in July, 1871, 
taking an office first in the Hayward House, known 
to us as the Holden House, soon after purchasing 
the Marsh estate on Hancock street, where he has 
lived ever since. He has gained a very large 
practice here. His activity has led him into other 
channels. With Dr. Faxon, he succeeded in se- 
curing a public supply of water in Quincy. He 
was the first chairman of the Board of Health, 
and has been most active in organizing our new 



21 



hospital. Next to Dr. Gilbert, his professional 
work has extended over more years than any 
other medical man among us. 

Dr. Mary K. Gale, the only woman physician 
who really has practised here, came to Wollaston 
in 1874. Her successful practice places her in 
the list of veterans. She was born in Amherst, 
N.H., receiving her earlier education in Woon- 
socket, R.I., and at the Norton Wheaton Female 
Seminary. She graduated from the Boston Uni- 
versity in 1877. She is now located at 10, Colum- 
bus square, Boston, having sold her practice here 
to Dr. Rice. She left, and retains a large circle 
of friends. 

Dr. Lorenzo Fowler Butler's name brings 
the memory of a pure, strong man, possessing 
clear perceptions and advanced opinions upon all 
topics, yet with a sweetness in expressing them 
that won all hearts. He was born in Martha's 
Vineyard, receiving his early education there. 
Later, he entered his father's office, and graduated 
from the Boston University. He came to Quincy 
in 1877, took his office in the favorite square by the 
town pump. He married the youngest daughter of 
the late John C. Randall. Soon after, from seem- 
ing perfect health, he suddenly failed, and died 
after a sad illness, which defied the skill of many 
physicians. That so beautiful a character was 
lost so early was a source of sorrow to all who 



22 



knew him. Had his Hfe been spared, he would 
have been a notable person to have levelled dis- 
tinctions between opposing schools. 

Dr. Samuel M. Donovan, residing with his 
family on Gay street, is one of our veterans. He 
was born in Boston, obtaining his earliest educa- 
tion in her schools. He graduated from the Har- 
vard Medical School in 1879, coming to Quincy in 
August of that year. He is our first city physi- 
cian, and he was also the first to organize sys- 
tematic care of the poor in Quincy. He is also 
a member of our Board of Health. Accomplished 
in mind and person. Dr. Donovan wins friends 
wherever he goes. 

Dr. Joseph M. Sheehan was born in South 
Braintree, being a pupil in our High School in 
1866, attending the Boston Latin School in 1869, 
and graduating from Harvard University in 1873. 
He passed the succeeding six years in schools and 
medical universities in Paris, France, where he 
took his medical degree in 1879. He returned to 
take up active professional work in Quincy in 
January, 1880. He resides with his family upon 
Summer street. He, is Chairman of the Board of 
Health now, a member of the School Committee, 
and he is preeminently devoted to the profession 
he honors. He is one of our veterans in practice. 

Dr. John Frederick Welch begins his second 
decade of practice, and his term of service places 



23 



him among the veterans. Born in Boston, Mass., 
his earher education was obtained in her pubHc 
schools and in Chauncy Hall. He took his medi- 
cal diploma from Bellevue Hospital, New York, 
in 1880, coming to Quincy in July of that year. 
He has shown qualities that ensure success, un- 
daunted courage, individuality, and reserve power. 
He occupies the house known as the White 
Homestead, on Hancock street, with his family. 
He was Secretary of the Board of Health for two 
years, and is Secretary of the South Norfolk 
District Medical Society. 

Dr. Frank S. Davis, who has made so many 
friends both in professional and private life, came 
to Quincy, August, 1880, being now one of the 
veterans. He was born in Hinsdale, N.H., and 
graduated from the Boston University in 1878, 
locating first in East Milton. He resides in the 
brick block on Chestnut street. 

Dr. George VV. Huse, a graduate from the 
Newburyport High School, after receiving collegi- 
ate honors from Harvard University graduated 
from the Harvard Medical School, and came to 
Quincy, in Dr. Gordon's office, in 1884. He later 
took an office in West Quincy, remaining a short 
time, when he removed to Lynn. At present, 
with his family, he is in Arizona. 

Dr. p. K. Brown, of West Quincy, was born 
in Ipswich, Mass. His early education was in 



24 



Ipswich and Hopkinton Academies. He was in 
Colby University, Dartmouth, three years, in Belle- 
vue Medical College, and afterward in College of 
Physicians and Surgeons, from which he graduated. 
He located in Quincy in 1886, and his address 
is lOi, Copeland street. 

Dr. Samuel Crowell came to Quincy in 
1886, but we soon lost him as an actual presence, 
although he is a pleasant memory among us. He 
is now at 754, Dudley street, Dorchester. He is a 
Harvard medical graduate. His family was from 
the Cape, but he was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. 

Dr. Roderick McLennan, who lives on Water 
street, South Quincy, came here in May, 1887. 
He was born at Hertsville, P.E.L, attending the 
public schools there, and matriculating at Prince 
of Wales College. He began medical studies at 
Trinity College, Toronto, Can., from which he 
received the degree of M.D.C.M. in 1887. In 
1888 and 1889 he attended the Boston Polyclinic 
and Harvard Post Graduate courses. This is only 
a part of the honorable record Dr. McLennan has, 
and this alone ensures him a good position among 
the best educated of our physicians. 

Dr. Wellington H. Record was born in 
Buckfield, Maine. He graduated from the Brain- 
tree, Mass., High School. He received collegiate 
honors from Amherst College in 1877. He 
took the degree of medicine from the Bellevue 



25 



Hospital in New York. He came to Quincy in 
1886, and lives and practises in Wollaston, already- 
taking a deservedly high rank among our elder 
physicians. 

Dr. George B. Rice, who lives and practises 
in Wollaston, was born in Westfield, Mass. In his 
early years he attended the Michigan University. 
He studied medicine in the Boston University, and 
came to Quincy in September, 1887. His liberal 
thought and study win him continued success. 
He has been generous in giving many charitable 
objects the benefit of his refined musical talents, 
and he is justly gaining professionally and so- 
cially. As he is building a house on Newport 
avenue, we may expect to retain him with us. 

Dr. Newton came here in about 1888, from 
Alpena, Mich., residing in the Patch House, on 
Elm street. He has made little efi"ort to establish 
any practice, although excellently trained for it. 
His family still lives here in the Patch House, on 
Elm street, while he travels in the drug business. 

Dr. G. W. Garey was born in East Wey- 
mouth, graduating from her High School, and 
entering the Boston University in 1886. He re- 
ceived the degree of M.D. in 1888, and of C.B. in 
1889, coming to Quincy May i, 1889. He is 
building himself a house on Washington street. 

Miss Dr. Lovering took an office in Durgin 
and Merrill's block in 1889, bit did not remain. 



26 



Dr. Henry C. Hallo well was born in Ban- 
gor, Maine. He was fitted for college there. He 
is a graduate of the Colby University, also of the 
Hahnemann Medical College of Chicago. He 
practised in Auburn, Mass., and has been teacher 
and principal in schools in Methuen, Chicopee 
Falls, and Gloucester. He came to Quincy in 
1889, succeeding Dr. Marstin. He, too, is making 
many friends. 

Dr. Nathaniel S. Hunting, our youngest 
and latest aspirant, came to Quincy, August, 1889. 
He is the son of Rev. Mr. Hunting, of the Uni- 
tarian faith. He was born in Detroit, Mich., 
studying in Antioch College, Ohio. He was a 
graduate from Harvard in the class of 1884, enter- 
ing its Medical School to receive his degree in 
1887. He was in the Children's Hospital, and in 
1888 was interne in the Boston City Hospital. He 
began professional work in Dr. Gordon's office. 
He has won in more fields than one, and his office 
is still with Dr. Gordon. 

The time since beginning these has not been 
sufficient to hear from all to whom word was sent, 
and the doctors have kept springing up in such 
unexpected places, that the incompleteness of the 
records will have to be excused, hoping in the 
future another may remedy this, should our citi- 
zens feel sufficient interest to desire it. 



27 



Dr. William M. Ogden came to Ouincy about 
1867, living with Dr. Woodward, but remaining 
only a very few years. 

Dr. Small, an eclectic physician, was located 
here in the old Saville place a number of years. 
His record is necessarily deferred. Dr. Sherman 
was a partner of Dr. Small. 

Dr. Nichols is remembered pleasantly as com- 
ing here before 1870. He was associated with 
Dr. Stetson a little while. 

Dr. Sumner, at or about the same time, was in 
Ouincy, boarding with Miss Saunders, back of the 
Savings Bank. He was a homoeopathist. He died 
not long after his residence here. 

Dr. Downes was located at the corner of 
Edwards and Washington streets, and leaves pleas- 
ant recollections. He was here five years, and 
after leaving went into Dr. Thorndyke's office in 
Boston. 

Dr. Dam located in West Ouincy five years 
ago, but his present address has not been received. 
He was of the regular school, and a Harvard med- 
ical man. 

Dr. Thayer, a young physician now in Boston, 
came to Ouincy not many years ago, and of him 
we are obliged to defer the record. 

Dr. Sherman; we are obliged to defer the 
record. 



28 



Dr. Moses R. Greely, of South Weymouth, 
was also located in Quincy. He was born in 
Hudson, N.H. ; took his degree at Harvard Medi- 
cal School in 1850. His practice gave him a resi- 
dence in Boston, Charlestown, and Minneapolis. 
During the war he was Assistant Surgeon, Third 
Regiment, Minnesota Volunteers. He was in 
Quincy in 1867, and now practises in South 
Weymouth, and is a member of the South Norfolk 
District Medical Society. 

Looking at the routine of a busy physician's 
life, the program reads like this : If he has not 
been out all night, as often happens, his morning 
rest is broken by the door-bell mingling with the 
telephone, and he finds, when entering his office, 
written messages, and a number of early callers 
who take advantage of the fact that he may be 
visible, although it is not the office hour. He 
starts out for various points of the compass, re- 
turning to find more calls awaiting him. These 
disposed of, as time permits, he comes back to 
dinner, to find some more wise people who seek 
to avoid waiting by trying each to be first. Their 
presence and the renewed telephone and bell calls 
do not assist digestion. Each in turn is called 
with a gentle " next," until all are dismissed, when 
another procession of prudent ones, who think by 
coming late they can expedite matters, are at- 
tended to. 



I 



29 



Then the accumulated summons sends our 
Esculapius out on another campaign, to come 
back to supper, after which the afternoon's pro- 
gram is repeated. 

Evening sets in ; but no eight-hour law can give 
him rest until bedtime calls are finished. The 
sick babies, whose tiny thread of life is so feeble ; 
the aged, who must be coaxed into temporary 
strength to begin the weary night-watch ; the very 
ill, when acute disease assumes alarming propor- 
tions ; the steady invalids, whom a physician's 
word and presence stimulate to renewed courage 
and patience, — all these must be seen before his 
day's work is ended. 

Then there are some who send urgent messages 
at a late hour, and if one is very faithful, it some- 
times happens that after a long drive a doctor 
finds the household asleep, and cannot awaken 
the inmates. 

If a new life is awaited, he must prepare often 
for a weary watch, in many cases in confined air 
and amid uncomfortable surroundings. He must 
sometimes in cold weather kindle the fire and pre- 
pare nourishment ; he must supply delicacies and 
medicines ; arrange telephonic communications in 
emergencies ; secure nurse's and friends' attend- 
ance. When the solemn hour comes, he must be 
the stay and strength to the bereaved. It is he 
who gives us the signal that tender hopes are 



30 



realized, and that great joy has come to us as 
children are sent; or he must give the sign that 
the heart's hopes are deferred. It is for him that 
we watch the slow-moving hands on the dial, 
and when his quick, softened tread comes, we 
breathe more freely. As soon as he is an actual 
presence, strength has been renewed, and as soon 
as he has left, we begin to long for him again. 

Rest, recreation, — these must be snatched at 
mtervals. The concert, a social party, the inter- 
esting medical meetings, he must be prepared to 
relinquish often when he has started for them, 
gases there are, even in calls ; sometimes a patient 
forgets to recapitulate the daily bulletin of pains, 
real or imaginary. Sometimes the fond relatives 
forget to tell him the weak points in the family, 
how Uncle Hiram died, how long Aunt Susan 
lived with seven doctors, etc. 

In Charles Francis Adams' valuable article on 
Quincy in the - History of Norfolk County," we 
read that - The physical health was not in the old 
days what it has since become. People did not 
live so long then. As might have been expected, 
the drinking habits of the last century generated a 
class of diseases of their own. Fathers died be- 
tween forty and fifty. Rheumatism was more 
prevalent then than now," etc. 

No class of workers is more conscientious and 
unselfish than physicians, and no class gives more 



31 



gratuitously than they do. They are held at street 
corners, in raihvay trains, and in places of amuse- 
Sment, for information that should be sought else- 
where. As a rule, the pecuniary part of our 
obligations to them is not met promptly, and 
gratitude upon the part of the laymen is short- 
lived. We too soon forget how our faithful medi- 
cal attendant may have saved precious life by 
untiring, ceaseless care. At the time we are 
overwhelmed with thankfulness and gratitude, but 
these fade with the exigency that created them. 
The poet says, — 

God and the doctor we alone adore 
When on the brink of danger, not before ; 
The danger over, both ahke requited : 
God is forgotten and the doctor slighted. 

With a long and intimate acquaintance and ex- 
perience with physicians, we humbly close these 
imperfect notes with the injunction, — 



Honor thy physician." 



RESIDENT PHYSICIANS IN QUINCY, 
JUNE, 1890. 



John H. Gilbert 
John A. Gordon 
Samuel A. Donovan . 
Joseph M. Sheehan . 
John F. Welch . 
Frank A. Davis 
George B. Rice . 
P. K. Brown 
Roderick McLennan . 
Wellington H. Record 
Henry C. Hallowell 
G. W. Garey 
Nathaniel S. Hunting 



Hancock st. 
Hancock st. 
Gay St. 
Summer st. 
Hancock st. 
Chestnut st. 
Newport ave. 
Water st. 
Water st. 
Newport ave. 
Hancock st. 
Washington st. 
Hancock st. 



'V ■ . 



lIMlir- 






^^ 



